Upstream BJJ
Not managed on Matador yetJiu Jitsu
Upstream BJJ is a Richmond, Virginia academy dedicated to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in both gi and no-gi. It was founded by Seph Smith, a Richmond native and the first black belt promoted by Ryan Hall, and it belongs to the Fifty/50 lineage. The program covers a beginner-friendly intro course, all-levels classes, open mats, a women's class and a kids program for ages five and up. Students can focus on self-defense, fitness or competition preparation, and competing stays optional. The academy describes itself as inclusive and welcoming, runs month-to-month with no contracts, and offers a free trial class to first-timers.
Training
- Styles
- Jiu Jitsu · Gi / No-Gi
- Affiliation
- USBJJF and Fifty/50 (Ryan Hall)
Programmes
- Kids classes
- Women-only classes
- Beginners' course
- Open mat
- Private lessons
Your first visit
- Trial
- Free first class
- Beginners
- No experience needed · From age 5
- Visiting from another gym
- Mat fee US$25.00
Timetable this week
Monday
Jiu Jitsu
Jiu Jitsu
Jiu Jitsuages 5+
BeginnersJiu JitsuSelf-defenceTechnique
Jiu Jitsu
Jiu Jitsu6 months of trainingFree
Tuesday
Jiu Jitsu
Jiu Jitsuages 5+
BeginnersJiu JitsuSelf-defenceTechnique
Jiu Jitsu
Jiu Jitsu6 months of trainingFree
Wednesday
Jiu Jitsu
Jiu Jitsu
BeginnersJiu JitsuSelf-defenceTechnique
Jiu Jitsu
Jiu Jitsu6 months of trainingFree
Thursday
Jiu Jitsu
Jiu Jitsuages 5+
BeginnersJiu JitsuSelf-defenceTechnique
Jiu Jitsu
Jiu Jitsu6 months of trainingFree
Friday
Jiu JitsuSparringConditioning6 months of training
Saturday
Jiu JitsuWomen only
Jiu Jitsu6 months of trainingFree
Opening hours
- Monday - Tuesday
- 11:30-12:30, 16:30-21:00
- Wednesday
- 11:30-12:30, 18:00-21:00
- Thursday
- 11:30-12:30, 16:30-21:00
- Friday
- 18:00-19:00
- Saturday
- 10:00-13:00
- Sunday
- 10:00-12:00
Prices
One-off
US$25.00Monthly
US$110.00Monthly
US$160.00Per class
US$5.00Monthly
US$150.00Monthly
US$135.00From the gym's website, checked 4 November 2026.
Coaches
- Seph Smith
Head coachJiu Jitsu · Black Belt
- Alden Rivera
CoachJiu Jitsu · Brown Belt
- Phillip Thai
CoachJiu Jitsu · Black Belt
- Pat Santoro
CoachJiu Jitsu · Brown Belt
- Maggie Florence
Assistant coachJiu Jitsu · Blue Belt
- Randy Rae
Assistant coachJiu Jitsu · Purple Belt
Contact
- info@upstreambjj.com
- Website
- https://upstreambjj.com
- @upstreambjj
Questions about Upstream BJJ
Where is Upstream BJJ?
Upstream BJJ is at 5316 Chamberlayne Rd, Richmond, VA 23227, USA.
Which sports does Upstream BJJ teach?
Upstream BJJ is listed for Jiu Jitsu.
Can I try Upstream BJJ before joining?
Yes. Your first class at Upstream BJJ is free.
When are the beginner classes at Upstream BJJ?
Upstream BJJ runs classes open to beginners on Monday 06:00, Monday 11:30 and Monday 16:30.
When is Upstream BJJ open?
Upstream BJJ is open Monday - Tuesday 11:30-12:30 and 16:30-21:00; Wednesday 11:30-12:30 and 18:00-21:00; Thursday 11:30-12:30 and 16:30-21:00; Friday 18:00-19:00; Saturday 10:00-13:00; Sunday 10:00-12:00.
How much does Upstream BJJ cost?
Prices at Upstream BJJ: Drop-in: US$25.00 one-off, Adults · Membership · Unlimited: US$110.00 a month, Adults · Membership · Unlimited · No contract: US$160.00 a month, Drop-in · 1 class · Fridays only · Jiu Jitsu: US$5.00 a class, Kids · ages 5+ · Membership · Unlimited · No contract: US$150.00 a month and Kids · ages 5+ · Membership · Unlimited · No contract · Siblings: US$135.00 a month.
Can I train at Upstream BJJ when visiting from another gym?
Yes. Upstream BJJ welcomes visitors from other gyms; the mat fee is US$25.00.
Gyms near Upstream BJJ
Boa BJJ AcademyUnmanaged listing9.2 km away · 8324 Bell Creek Rd St 200, Mechanicsville, VA 23116, USAJiu Jitsu · Judo · Muay Thai · Kickboxing · Wrestling
Mongrel Martial ArtsUnmanaged listing18 km away · 11617 Busy St, Richmond, VA 23236, USAJiu Jitsu · Muay Thai · Kickboxing · Judo · Other
For the owner or manager
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